Page 37 of Sadistic Retribution

I give him a brilliant smile, deciding to play with his head a little more. “So, anyway... why do you eat people?” He just looks at me. Unperturbed, I keep questioning him. “How long have you been a cannibal? What does human taste like?” I actually am curious; I don’t know much about it.

He sighs, shaking his head with a small grin on his face. “I'll bite... or not.”

Now it’s my turn to laugh. I don’t seem to be pissing him off, oddly.

He continues, "It makes me stronger—healthier. Human flesh has the best protein you can get. It keeps me from getting sick and helps my sleep. To answer your other questions, since I was a teenager. I was homeless—that's all I will say about that. It tastes like extra-tender chicken, kind of.”

“Well then, whatever you say, Cannibal Cocksucker...” I walk away, hearing him still chuckle. At least I made sure he doesn’t see me as an enemy.

I walk past the common area, all the way to the end. It's an almost pitch-black corner. The light doesn’t reach it. An almost imperceptible movement registers in my peripheral vision. “Hello?” I pause, peering into the dark. “Is someone there?”

At first, I don’t see anything, but then, an obvious form moves backward. I stop at the very last cell. “Is there someone in there?”

A flash of bright gold eyes startles me, and I realize there’s a person under the bed. I crouch down to the floor. “Hey,” I say softly. “I’m 11—Phoenyxx. Don't be scared.”

I hear a pitiful whine. A sudden emotion clogs my throat. For some reason, I feel compelled to help this guy.

“It’s okay,” I attempt to coax him or her out. “I’m a friend. I won’t hurt you.”

I wait, hoping they come out. A shuffle forward reveals the shadow of a skinny, average height man. The only feature I can make out is his dazzling golden eyes.

“Hi,” I croon. “Want to talk?”

His head shakes frantically. I can see how badly he’s shaking. He's completely naked. My God, what has he been through? It makes me think it must be even more horrifying than all I’ve dealt with. My heart hurts for this boy. I have a huge wall up, but I am extremely empathetic of anyone who’s been through hell.

“It’s fine. I'll come back and check on you next time they let me out.”

Another whine, and he slides back under his bed.

I stand back up, going to find 6 and 10. I'm not going to say a word. I want to keep him out of harm’s way, as much as I can. I have a hunch they don’t know about the mystery patient.

Bryan

“Get the fuck up, 13! You have a date with the viewing room.”

I barely manage to crack open my eyes, trying to unfurl my stiff body from the cold floor. “What’s the viewing room?”

Jester cackles. “You’ll see.”

My arms are grabbed from behind, the voice of Horns in my ear. “Move!” He shoves me forward, Jester dancing around and laughing the whole way.

They push me into a small room, with a large screen attached to the wall, and a chair placed right in front of it.

“Sit,” Horns orders. I do as he says. He puts headphones over my ears, then goes out of my line of sight. I can hear Jester’s laughter moving away with him.

The headphones sound in my ears. “The rules are easy, Loverboy. You will listen and watch. Your eyes stay open. Understand?”

I give a small nod. What in the hell is happening now?

A chime sounds through the headphones, a sweet, sweet voice filtering through. My Valley... Oh God. I can’t handle this... I just can't.

“Gawd, Nyx—I feel so bad! He is so sweet.” A beat, then “I think I love him. What do I do?” Another beat, then, “Bryan—I’m so so sorry! Please don’t be mad!”

I ball up my fists, raising one to bite it. I am trying to hold back the sobs wracking my soul.

The mask’s voice comes again. “Next up... the main feature!” I hear Jester cackle from behind me somewhere.

There's no chime this time. The screen in front of me flares to life, and my beautiful love fills it. Valley’s smiling, twirling around. She’s so bright and full of life!